advanced reading copy of ADOPTING GRACE
85 of 186

different, out of the norm, or has some type of special need is faced with a grief to be felt and a gift to be cherished. The Grief... Looking around at other “normal” families, our families are somehow out of step. There is a complexity that though not always seen by the casual observer is still very much a reality. It can show itself in many, many places. We may not be able to fully participate in some of the regular things of life such as certain social events, school activities, or faith communities. Sometimes simple but crucial things like an uninterrupted night of rest are out of reach. Spontaneity is often stifled and desires put aside as we strive to be realistic and constantly mindful of healthy limits and boundaries for both ourselves and our children. And each individual family finds themselves somewhere along this “out of sync” continuum. The Gift… Living life with a child that demands we march to the beat of a different drummer is indeed a gift. It is like going to the school of what really matters. It is a crash course in getting over pleasing other people. If embraced, this new perspective quickly leads to a far less judgmental stance toward others. We are acutely aware that we never truly know what is under the behavior of that screaming child in the grocery store or that teenager who is “acting out.” We are wise to surrender to a much slower pace of life, which then offers the chance to live in a space of authentic presence and peace. We are entrusted a ADOPTING GRACE ADVANCED READING COPY 85